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Any person interested in the supply management field shall be eligible to be a member of ISM National or ISM-Akron, Inc. provided that such person does not solicit business on behalf of such person or his or her employeer during meetings of any ISM activity, including without limitation, meetings of Affiliated Associations (including chapters) ISM Committees and ISM groups and forums (as defind in Policy). In principle and in practice, ISM values and seeks a diverse membership, volunteer leadership and staff. There are no barriers to full participation in ISM National or ISM-Akron, Inc. on the basis of ethnic background, gender, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Both ISM National and ISM-Akron, Inc. value the efforts, knowledge and commitment of all volunteers and staff, and structures the volunteer system to maintain continuity by encouraging participation in integrated activities to enchance value-added activities and optimize productivity.

Benefts:

Local

With our monthly Professional Developmental Dinner Meetings, members can expect to be taught the latest in such topics as negotiations, strategic sourcing, best practices in supply management, risk management and effective leadership.

Opportunity to network with seasoned professionals in the supply management field as well as local and regional business and economic leaders.

Outside educational / self developmental programs for those seeking certification are also available in affiliation with the local ISM-Akron, Inc. chapter.

Leadership opportunities periodically exist for those willing to serve of the Board of Directors.

National

Access to many of the value-added offerings of the Institute of Supply Management.

The Online Career Center : Search a database of employment listings from across the country, post your résumé or search for the perfect employee

Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit : Network with more than 2,000 peers at the only international conference devoted exclusively to purchasing and supply management. Examine emerging trends and challenges during comprehensive workshops conducted by your peers. Members receive significant savings on registration fees.

CAPS Research : Supply management-related research studies and benchmarks for free

ISM Knowledge Center : Provides a number of supply management classes which you can take online, at your own pace, a terrific way to sharpen your skills.

Seminar Discounts : Experienced instructors, thought-provoking sessions, and numerous topics are just some of the reasons these programs often fill up quickly. And don't forget — members save hundreds with each registration. Also available — satellite seminars, broadcast to participating organizations. Addressing different supply management issues and offered several times throughout the year, satellite seminars are live alternatives that allow you to interact with speakers and peers without leaving your city.

Professional Development Resources :
Books and other self-study products will broaden your knowledge and sharpen your skills.

eNewsletters : A bimonthly e-publication featuring career advice, research results, international business tips for when you travel, social responsibility case studies, negotiating strategies and more. Member's Edge another eNewsletter sends helpful reminders and information of special interest to ISM members, including new benefits, networking opportunities, educational offerings, and more. Distributed periodically throughout the year.

ISM-Akron, Inc. is an affiliate of the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). Our enrollment process is managed by ISM directly and is detailed per the process below.

Joining ISM-Akron, Inc. can best be done online. ISM handles all application forms for membership fees for ISM-Akron, Inc. ISM website requires that a user account be created before any transaction can take place. If you have never been a member of ISM or purchased an item from the site, you should begin by registering as a user.

Make sure to select your membership level and affiliate.

You will receive a welcome letter in a 2-3 weeks after ISM accepts your application. ISM will notify ISM-Akron, Inc. of your new member status. ISM-Akron Inc.'s Director of Membership will contact you via e-mail and / or phone with a welcoming letter and notification of upcoming events that you can attend.

If you have any questions, or if you would like assistance in completing the online application form, please contact ISM Customer Service. Likewise any questions regarding ISM-Akron, Inc. can be directed to any current serving board member.

(Please note: The ISM-Akron, Inc. geographic profile on the ISM website includes a quoted amount for first-year dues; in the case of ISM-Akron, Inc. this is a pro-rated amount that will only match the annual dues amount in January of each year. ISM-Akron, Inc. participates in the Affiliate Dues Billing program, which means that ISM manages renewal dues invoicing on its behalf. Among other things, this allows affiliate members to renew their memberships through the ISM website. In order for the program to work, every member must have the same membership expiration date (i.e. December 31st) and so new members joining in a month other than January will pay a rate representing less than a year’s dues.)